METHODSThe miRNA expression profiles were determined using an Affymetrix array.To validate the results, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis in a larger cohort was employed. The targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by Target Scan, miRBD, and DIANA-microT-CDS, and the results were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis using FunNet.

CONCLUSIONFive miRNAs (has-miR-4484, has-miR-4505, has-miR-4674, has-miR-501-3p and has-miR-663) are up-regulated in PBMCs of anxiety patients and may be closely involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorder.